Nikon D800 a classy quality camera
Pros; Cons;
Huge detail in image Weight, perhaps joining a gym would help
Build like a rock No other
Well balanced with large lenses
Easy to use and quick to learn
Although I bought a used body, not only was the counter use low but the body itself looked unused, so I will treat this review as though it was a new body.
As I have been used to the Nikon 5200, the weight difference is very noticeable but when paired with a Tamron 24-70 SP VC the balance is good, I admit, after each shot I let the camera hang on the neck strap but then I do suffer from Arthritis in my wrist.
What I do like is the dedicated controls for the main functions so you can change ISO, f stops and so on without using menus, when in continues mode there is only a slight speed increase compared to my D5200 (using in low setting), but I have read that by adding a battery grip this increases, what I was impressed with while on the subject of battery grip, although I bought a third party one (not a cheap y) that some of the main functions on the battery grip still function without a battery installed.
The overall build quality is very good and feels like you good drop it and it would just bounce, please don’t try this!, I have broken a few lens hoods as I am clumsy, but I reckon the D800 will survive my clumsiness.
Performance, well its not as fast as a D4, but what you are getting is a 36M 35mm sized sensor and years ago I worked with both 35mm and medium format and I would say that the detail captured is on par with medium format, although I don’t have the tech details to hand, I am sure the dynamic range is wide, the focus is fast and probably the only limiting factor is the lenses you use, I have tried 2 other lenses and felt the lenses where holding the D800 back on its true potential, it seems more aimed at the pro side of the market than a serious amateur not that we should be put of, and I know the D850 is now available if you have deep pockets, but I am very pleased with this used model and it may take a while before I can afford the D850 which apart from recording video at 4k instead of HD, their seems to be no major differences.
Early days yes I have only had the D800 a couple of weeks, but I am so confident using it knowing that as long as the lens performs well that all my shots will be good (that is technically, the photography by me is something else!)
Bigger bag, yep if you have upgraded like me then you will need a larger camera bag especially if you intend on using a pair to avoid lens swapping or add a battery grip.
Summery;
If the weight, bulk and speed are not issues then if you can’t stretch to the D850 then I highly recommend a good used D800 as you will not be disappointed, Nikon have build a real stunner which many still hold their price well, but its worth looking for one that’s got a low shutter count, mines was 19k, up to 100k is still considered low.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
